Sunshine from Bandol

Its been a hot summer, not complaining just making the observation. With heat comes the need for thirst quenching wines. Albarino, Sauvignon Blancs, Roses and cool weather whites from Germany and Austria have been my preference outside of the ongoing Loire Project.

It was on one of these hot sunny days that I convened with a couple fellow foragers to share and compare a slew of wines from around the globe and I decided to reach into my rose cellar and pull a few of my higher end offerings from Bandol, France to kick off the afternoon.

the Wines

Domaine de Terrebrune Rose Bandol 2024

Chateau Ste Anne Rose Bandol 2023 

My Thoughts...

Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol 2024 (92pts)

Pours a blushing coral with soft rusty oxide reflections.

Aromas of cantaloupe, watermelon, golden raspberry, macerated strawberries, sweet tangelo orange and soft floral & herbal accents emerge on the deep inhale with notes of sage, lavender, elderflower, sweet annie and crushed seashells.

The palate is vibrant and persistent with great structure and harmony of fruit, acidity and ethereal summer ocean breezes.

White peach, cantaloupe, wild strawberry, lemon peel, sage and lavender dance along the palate with a kiss of ripe pomegranate shining through on the finish. 

Elegant movement of ripe fruit, soft herbaceousness and refreshing acidity.

Chateau Ste Anne Bandol 2023 (90pts)

Pours a dusty rose color with reflections of pink antiquity and orange sienna.

Aromas are crushed dried potpourri accentuated by candied citrus, melon rind, wild strawberry, cripps pink apples and faint herbal nuances of lemon balm and lavender.

Palate follows the nose nicely with elegance, vibrancy and finesse from start to finish. 

Delicate layers transition from slightly bitter floral to unripe stonefruit, citrus peel, and melon rind all wrapped into a warm summer breeze wafting through the classic provencal herbs of savory, lemon thyme, sage and lavender.

Tuned up acidity drives the flavors into a lengthy finish that adds a bit of that bitter floral note.

Mouthwatering, focused rose from start to finish.

Cheers to the waning days of summer in Maine!